Conclusion

There are no low-performance coolers in this test session. All the tested models are an excellent choice for cooling overclocked CPUs. The tuning of the coolers has generally been useful. For example, the Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme works more effectively in quiet mode. The Cogage Arrow is somewhat better than the Thermalright IFX-14 and is overall as effective as the Noctua NH-D14. The Zalman CNPS10X Flex outperforms the CNPS10X Quiet at medium and maximum fan speed.

As a result of our today's test session, we are proud to award Cogage Arrow cooler with our Recommended Buy title as a high-qulity product with superb cooling efficiency:

Judging by these results and the cooling systems that have been released over the past year and a half, the performance of CPU coolers is growing up at a very slow rate. The limitations in the way of heatsink dimensions and the heat-conducting properties of materials prevent the manufacturers from delivering a product that would be far superior to the existing models. That’s why we see old products being offered under a new dressing while the stuffing remains largely the same. Anyway, our today’s tests suggest that the Noctua NH-D14 is not an unrivalled leader anymore and that a high-performance cooler can cost you a mere $50.